ATVs cause problems for Orangeville resident

The Orangeville City budget was approved by the Orangeville City council. A budget hearing was held for public comments, but no comments were made on the budget. It was approved without any changes.

Chanel Atwood attended the meeting to let the city know about the information center in the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum. The travel center represents the region and promotes activities in the area to the visitors to the museum. They hand out brochures and maps. They have 10 partners and seek contributions to operate the center and also will utilize in-kind contributions. Atwood said she sends visitors down SR-10 to see the sights in Emery County. She said so far this year visits are up to the area.

Derek Tuttle attended the meeting to discuss his Eagle Scout project. Tuttle is proposing a monument for the Veterans from Orangeville who have served their country. He discussed the price of the slabs of granite for the project. Names will be engraved into the stone. So far they have collected 388 names to be placed on the stone. Space will also be left so more names can be added as needed. The location of the monument was discussed with the welcome park or the cemetery being the best locations. Tuttle will contact the American Legion post in Orangeville to see if it is OK with them to place the monument at the cemetery. The council liked the idea of the two slabs which stand 7.5 feet high and are three feet wide. A cement pad will be poured to place the stones upon.

An Orangeville resident spoke about the motorcycles and ATVs which are using his street illegally. He feels they are in violation of Orangeville code. They are causing noise, dust and are a general nuisance. Most of the drivers of these motorcycles and ATVs are younger children. One day he talked to a 12 year old girl on a side-by-side ATV and told her to go home. The posted speed limit is 10 mph and most if not all these motorcycles and ATVs are riding above that speed limit. When the highway patrol car is parked on the street, then it's quiet. Most of the riders seem to know what they are doing is illegal. One young man he spoke to became belligerent with him. It was at this point the resident decided to talk to the city council. "What can the city council do to address these issues," said the resident. "What should I do or not do. Is this the appropriate place to come or should I call the sheriff's office. Could the city council contact the most aggressive offenders and their parents. Could more speed limit signs be placed along the ATV routes as reminders. Are there fines involved? These were many of the questions the resident had for the council. He said he is a law abiding citizen and expects the same of others. He loves living in Orangeville and the quiet of the area is one of the attractions for him.

The city council agreed there is a problem. The enforcement lies with the sheriff's office. The resident was told if he sees someone in violation to call the sheriff's office and file a complaint. Children 8-16 can operate an ATV on public land with adult supervision and an ATV license from taking a state ATV course. The Orangeville ordinance states that no one under the age of 16 will operate a motorcycle or ATV on city streets and helmets are required.

Mark H Williams from the public lands council and the state park's council suggested a play area be constructed just outside of Orangeville to give the riders a place to go.

Williams and Randall Stilson attended the Orangeville meeting to gain support for a trail system being worked on statewide that will connect communities with public lands with ATV routes. These routes can be used for riders to gain access into communities for supplies and gas and maybe to spend the night. These multi-purpose trails will accommodate hikers, horses, ATV, motorcycles and bicycles. A connecting system is being proposed from Price to Emery. The connecting trail needs a route out of Orangeville to the north. The group suggested highway 57 and up the coal haul road and then over to the pageant site where it can connect with the route to Huntington along the hillsides. The pair asked the city to write a letter of support to the county for the proposed trail system. Stilson also said the section from Millsite to Emery will require a lot of work.

The city council approved a wage increase for the statutory officers of Orangeville City.

The city council approved to refund two water shares for property which was going to be used for a house, but now the location of the house has changed to a lot with the improvements already in place.

The council approved the certified tax rate. Last year it was .001635 and this year has raised .3 to .001638.

The council approved a past due bill be sent to collections. A lien form was approved to have on file in case a lien must be placed on any property. Before this step can be taken it would need city council approval.

Steven Miner was approved to be hired as a seasonal employee.

Ruane Leeflang, city recorder informed the council the filing deadline is July 1 for elections in November. There are three positions up this year including the mayor's seat and two councilmembers. The seats currently held by Mayor Bart Cox and council members James Davis and Carole Larsen.

Leeflang also reported on election day you must show a valid driver's license in order to vote or a passport. All early voting will be done with absentee ballots.

With the dog problems in the city, it was mentioned if dogs are out then report it.

Orangeville is having a problem with weeds and everyone is encouraged to do what they can to eradicate the weeds in the city. The curb and gutter project has been ongoing and nearing completion.

The water is still spilling at Joe's Valley and the lawns are looking good and the gates are closed.

The council discussed their Orangeville Day celebration and made sure all activities are covered by volunteers. Orangeville needs to recruit new young people to be on the youth city council as most of the members graduated and will be moving on.

It was reported that some visitors to the cemetery over Memorial Day missed the greeters. The city provided water to the visitors to the cemetery.

The next Orangeville City council meeting will take place on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. and is held in city hall.